Mark Hughes fires warning to Sunderland: This Stoke star can handle anything thrown at him

Black Cats boss Sam Allardyce has suggested that the Danish goalkeeper might be “shaky” after a tough start to his Premier League career.

Haugaard, signed from Midtjylland last summer, stepped in for broken ankle victim Jack Butland to make his Premier League debut at the start of the month.

After shipping six goals in two games, he was dropped in favour of Shay Given – but then had to come back in again after the Republic of Ireland veteran picked up a groin injury during last Saturday’s 4-0 hammering at Manchester City.

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“One of Jakob’s strengths is in the air, so I’ve no qualms about that. If they want to put high balls into our box, we’ll be more than comfortable with that”

Mark Hughes

Stoke have lost their last three league games, conceding an alarming 12 goals in the process, and Hughes wants that run to end as Allardyce’s Sunderland visit the Britannia Stadium.

But he has every confidence in his keeper – who turns 24 tomorrow – to show his character.

The Stoke boss said: “One of Jakob’s strengths is in the air, so I’ve no qualms about that. If they want to put high balls into our box, we’ll be more than comfortable with that.

“Sam was probably asked the question, ‘Would you target a young goalkeeper who hasn’t had much experience?’.